WOMAN SENTENCED TO 26 DAYS IN JAIL FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AFTER REFUSING TO TREAT AILING BOSTON TERRIER AND TYING RUBBER BAND AROUND TUMOR ON THE DOG’S FACE

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A woman was sentenced to 26 days in county jail yesterday for refusing to treat her ailing Boston Terrier and tying a rubber band around a large tumor on the dog’s face.

Defendant

Charges

Sentence

Mary Kay Sodaro, 52, Victorville

Pleaded guilty yesterday to the following misdemeanor counts:

Animal cruelty

Failure to care for animal

Animal at large in public place

26 days in county jail

Three years of informal probation

Cannot own, possess, care for, or live with animals

Mental health counseling

Ordered to pay restitution

Circumstances of the Case

Prior to August 2017, Sodaro tied a rubber band around a large tumor on her dog Pasha’s face, which became embedded in the tumor, caused severe pain and inflammation, and severely obstructed the dog’s ability to breathe.

In addition to the large tumor on Pasha’s face, the dog had over 300 small tumors on its body.

Although the defendant had taken Pasha to a veterinarian recently, she refused treatment for Pasha, and refused an offer to humanely euthanize the dog free of charge.

On Aug. 7, 2017, Pasha walked alone into the Hoag Hospital entrance in Newport Beach and settled into the hospital's chapel.

Witnesses observed a large tumor on Pasha's jaw and a severely ulcerated eye and contacted the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD).

Pasha was immediately taken to an emergency veterinary clinic by a NBPD officer.

Pasha was euthanized due to irremediable pain and suffering.

There are many resources available to pet owners who find themselves unable to provide care for their animals. These include finding a new home for the pet, bringing them to the shelter for your jurisdiction, seeking help from nonprofit organizations that supply food and medical care, and in some cases where no treatment will bring quality of life to the animal, euthanasia may be the most humane option.